In recent years, startups have emerged that are dedicated to promoting sustainability in the furniture industry by reselling used furniture. One such startup is toqri.com, which operates in Bangalore, India and specializes in the resale of used office furniture. By keeping used furniture in circulation, toqri.com is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the furniture industry and prevent millions of tons of CO2 emissions.
The production of new furniture requires a significant amount of energy and natural resources, which contributes to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to the United Nations, the furniture industry is responsible for around 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, when furniture is discarded and ends up in landfills, it can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as it decomposes.
By reselling used furniture, startups like toqri.com are helping to reduce the environmental impact of the furniture industry. Instead of manufacturing new products, these startups are keeping existing furniture in use, which saves energy and natural resources. Additionally, by preventing furniture from ending up in landfills, they are reducing the release of greenhouse gases.
toqri.com has been particularly successful in this regard. Since its launch in 2020, the startup has sold over 20,000 items of used office furniture, which has saved an estimated 9,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to the emissions from approximately 1,800 cars over the course of a year. In addition to the environmental benefits, reselling used furniture has also been economically beneficial for toqri.com, as it has generated revenue and reduced the need for new inventory.
toqri.com achieves this sustainability by sourcing furniture from corporate offices and businesses that are downsizing, relocating, or upgrading their facilities. They then refurbish the furniture, if necessary, and sell it to other businesses and individuals at a lower cost than new furniture. This creates a circular economy in which furniture is reused and kept in circulation, rather than being discarded and replaced with new products.
toqri.com’s success is indicative of a larger trend towards sustainability in the furniture industry. As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, there has been a growing demand for sustainable alternatives. Startups like toqri.com are meeting this demand by providing a sustainable option for furniture purchases, which benefits both the environment and consumers’ wallets.
In conclusion, startups like toqri.com are making a significant impact on the environment by reselling used furniture and reducing the carbon footprint of the furniture industry. By keeping furniture in circulation and preventing it from ending up in landfills, these startups are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources. As the demand for sustainable furniture options continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more startups like Toqri.com emerge, making a positive impact on the environment and the economy
